Railway truck



Jan 6, 41931. c. J. w. cLAsl-:N

RAILWAY TRUQK Filed June 10 192e 4 sheets-sheet. 2

c. J. w. cLAsEN Jan 6, 1931.

RA ILWAY TRUCK Filed June l0, 1.926 4 SheetS-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY Jan 6,1931. c. J. w. cLAsEN RA ILWAY TRUCK 4 sheets-sheet. 4

Filed June l0l 1926 INVENTOR. fm .l/w f/; f'

a? Q9 @QW ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 6,. 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEICLAUS J'. W. CLASEN, OE DAVENPORT, IOWA, ASSIGNOB TO THE BETTENDOBF OFBETTENDOBI, IOWA, A CORPORATION OF IOWA RAILWAY Tauck Application tiledJune 10,

i brake hanger bracketsofthe truck.

A more particular object of the invention is to provide a truck in whichthe side frames have guide columns arranged substantially parallel fortheir full height and spaced to permit accommodation of spring units,with al bolster of suiiicient width at its ends to properly engage theguide columns and fully cover the spring clusters formed by the springunits, in conjunction with guide means for limiting the longitudinalmovement of the bolstelfwhich guide means are rigidly connected to theside frames and are arranged so as to ermit utilization of a maximumnumber o spring units of maximum height upon the spring seat without inany way interfering with the functions of the guide means, or theassembly of the truck parts, and being so disposed as to permit spacingof the brake hanger brackets in accordance with. good practice withoutincreasing the wheel base of the truck.

Another object of the invention is to provide a truck having side framesof the above character in combination with a spring plank for connectingthe side frames which is detachably maintainedr in position bythepressure exerted by the spring clusters in the side frames.

Other and further objects of the invention will more clearly appear fromthe descrlp-l tion and claims hereinafter following.

ln the drawings, Fig. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view of a side frameand bolster showing my invention used in connection therewith. Fig. 2 isa fragmentary side elevation of a side frame and bolster showing myinvention incorporated therein. Fig. 3 is a transverse. verticalsectional view of the invention on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4

is a fragmentary top plan view of a side 1926. Serial No. 114,987.

tion. Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the constructionshown in Fig. 4. Fig. (iis a transverse, vertical, seotional view of theinvention on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a fragmentary top planview of a side frame and bolster, showing still another embodiment ofthe invention. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of theconstruction' shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 1s a transverse vertical,sectional view of the invention on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is afragmentary top plan view of a side frame and bolster showing stillanotherenibodiment of the invention. Fig. 11 is a ragvmentary sideelevational view of a side frame and bolster of the construction shownin Fig. 10. And Fig. 12 is a transverse vertical, sectional view of theinvention on the line 12-12 of Fig. 11. V.

- In the various views of the drawings, only one side portion of a truckhas been shown, Vbut it will be understood that the other side of thetruck will be of a construction to correspond to the portion shown.Referring first to Figs. 1 to 3 of the/drawings, the inventioncontemplates an integral side frame comprising a compression member 10,a tension member 11, journal boxes 12, and 'bolster guide columns13--13.v The bolster guide columns 13-13, as shown, are formedintegrally with the compression mem- ,ber 10 and tension member- 11, andthe guide surfaces of said guide columns are spaced apart submantiallyequi-distantly for their full height, said guide columns at their bottomend portions merging into the spring seat 14. rlhe spring seat is of alength corresponding approximately to the length of the spring seatsordinarily used, or` of slightly greater or less length, if desired, andsince the guide columns 13-13 are located at the extremities of thespring seat and are spaced apart for their u'f height a distance corre-11 as shown lso as to accommodate the coiled spring groups. p

In combination with af-truck having side frames of the character abovedescribed, there is provided a bolster 17 for cooperation therewith. Thebolster 17 is preferably of hollow 'formation having an intermediateportion relatively narrow and deep in cross section, as indicatedmat 18,to provide the necessary strength, and saidbolster has its opposite endportions 19 widened' to`fit between the guide columns, and relativelyshallower in depth than the intermediate portion 18. Each end portion 19has its side faces 20-20 arranged in parallelrelationso as to engage theguide faces of the guide columns, and said parallel faces 20 arepreferably of such length as'to extend inwardly o f the side frame aconsiderable distance when the bolster is in operative connection withthe side frame, as lindicated at 21. They portion 21 is distance."Preferably formed formed with an inwardly extending vertically disposedgroove, -indicated 'at 22, adaptfor the reception of the bolster guidemeans hereinafter referred to. Each bolster end portion 19 is ofsullicient width so as to substantially cover the spring cluster when 1noperative position. Formed. or rigidly associated with each side frameadjacent the upper ends of the guide columns, and preferably upon theinside of theside frame, are guide supports 234-23, which as' shown 'areformed inteally .withsaid guide columns, and extend ransve'rsely `of theside frame aY suitable v integrally withpthe end portions of saidsupports are guide ribs or bolster guide members 24-24 which members aredisposed in a longitudinal direction with respect to thev side frame,and `are offset transversely inwardly from theinner surface of the sideframe va considerable distance,- preferably V such as to be disposed'outside fof the spring c1uster,.and just clear of the same,`whenthe parts are in position as best shown in Fig. 3.- The 'ribs 24-24extend toward each other beyond the plane deinedby the guide surfacesofthe adJacent guide columns and said ribs further extend in a'verticalvdirection downwardly so as to terminate a suitable distance vbelow the"t-ops" of the spring units, as. indicated'atv 25, .when the parts are.`in operative position. @The Yguide ribs 2424 extend into the grooves2v2-22' formed in the bolster,

and serve to guide the bolster in its up and down' movement, and tomaintain-the same against longitndinal shifting in-both directionsrelative to the associated Aside frame,

. the ribs 244-24 being of sufficient length to properly guide thebolster endthroughout its'range. of movement .when the springsare inposition. In.this connection it will be understood that the guide ribs24-24 might be formed on tliebolster`,' and theegroovesposed within therequired standard spacing,

without increasing the Wheel base of the truck In conjunction with atruck of the character above described, a detachable spring plank 27 isprovided, each end of said spring plank having apertures 28 fitting overbosses 29 formed on the spring seat, the parts being so arranged that apart or all of the spring cluster bears upon the end of the spring plank4and maintains the apertured portion of the spring plank in engagelnentwith the bosses 29 when the parts are in operative position.

Assembly of a truck of the above character is accomplished b insertingthe end of the bolster through t e lower portions of theguide columnsand then elevating the bolster ends to engage the grooves with the guideribs 24, after which the spring plank and spring cluster are arrangedinposition. The method of assembly is similar to that in ordinary truckconstruction which is in 'general use. In ordinary truck constructionwhere a cast metal'side frame with integral columns is used, it iscommon practice to design the truck columns with their bottom portionsspaced farther apart than the upper portions which engage the guidesurfaces of the bol- This, of course, is for the purpose of admittingthe outside bolster stop guides between the columns when the truck isbeing assembled. It is, therefore, apparent that due to offset columnswaste space results, and if it is desired to, use additional springunits with consequent 'widening of the ends ofthe bolster to cover theentire spring cluster, an

unusually long sprin seat would also result .are placed at a point toclear the spring cluster, preferably behind the side frame, al-

, ing of the brake though the guide stops could be placed elsewhere, ifdesired. The guide stops :24;24, as contemplated by applicant, extendinwardly toward each other beyond the planes defined by the transverseiding surfaces of the guide columns, whiclwhile permitting utilizationof all the space between the columns for eiective springlcapacitymermitsthe placanger brackets in the desired positions Without the necessity ofincreasing the wheel base of the. truck. Referring now to Figs. 4 to 6inclusive, there is provided an integral side frame comprisingcompression member 40, tension member 4l and bolster guide columns42-42, and spring seat 43. in the same manner referred to in connectionwith Figs. l to 3 inclusive. The guide surfaces of the lguide columns 42are spaced apart substantially equi-distantly for their full height, andformed upon the y guide faces of said guide columns are oppo` sitelydisposed guide ribs or members sil- 44,

said ribs being centrally located upon the uide surfaces of the guidecolumns, extend- I ing vertically, and terminating somewhat below theheads of the spring units when the same are in position upon the springseat. Brake hanger brackets 44a are formed upon the guide columnsLt2--42 in the same positions as the brake hanger brackets 26-26heretofore described. s

bolster d5 is provided having guide surfaces ,d6- 465 adapted to enga ethe guide faceso the guide columns, an

said bolster is provided with vertical grooves 4?.-47 adapted for thereception of guide members for permitting vertical movement of the endof the bolster While forming stops to prevent endwise movement of thebolster in opposite directions. 'After the bolster has been engaged withthe bolster guide members,

the spring" units 48 are placed upon the spring seat, said units beingarranged in transversely disposed pairs forming two longitudinallyextending rows of spring units which are spaced apart and odset withrespect to the central. guide members dll-44. A spring plank.arrangement t9 is provided which is similar in all respects to thespring plank 27 and associated parts' described in detail in connectionwith Figs.' l to 3 inclusive. An arranement of the character justdescribed has a vantages similar to those pointed out in connection withthe construction described in Figs. 1 to 3the guide members being out ofthe wa orclearof the spring units, and the entire stancv between t ebolster guide columns being utilized for effective spring ca- `pacity,the` arrangement also permitting proper spacing' of the brake hangerbrackets 44. l

Referring now to Figs. '7 to 9 inclusive,

thereis shown'an integral side frame comprising compression member 50,tension' member 5l, and bolster guide columns 52-52.

cludes three spring units, the arrangement' being such that the endspring units of the central row projectsomewhat outwardly beyond thespring units of the outside rows and are disposed upon thc narrowed ortapered portions of the spring seat.

Preferably' integrallyv formed with the inner portions of the guidecolunn1s,52-52 are guide ribs -55 extending toward each other in alongitudinal direction with reference to the side frame and projectinginwardly-beyond the guide surfaces of the guide columns .B2- 52, saidguide ribs being arranged in such position that they are disposed at oneside of and clear of the end units of the central row of springs asshown, and in such posit-ion that they do not interfere with theadjacent row of spring units in line therewith. Brake hanger brackets56-56 are provided oi the inner surfaces of the side frame close-lyadjacent to the guide surfaces of the guide columns 52-52.,

A bolster 5,7 is provided and is of a character to engage the guidesurfaces of the nguide columns, said bolster being provided between theguide columns outwardly the full Width of the spring seat 53 as shown,thc end portion of the spring plank being widened and the flanges 60following the widened portions of thespring plank so as to accommodatethe end units of the central row of springs. rllhe spring plank 59 isprovided with apertures 61 which lit over bosses 62 on the springseat.,the spring units 54 resting upon the end of the spring plank andholding the apertures thereof in engagement with the bosses 61.

Referring now to Figs. l() to 12 inclusive, there is shown `aconstruction of the character disclosed in Figs. -1 to inclusive, asapplied to a lateral motion truck. The construction illustrated in Figs.l0 to l2 inclusive, comprises a side frame having a compression member70, tension member 71` guide columns 72--72, spring seat 73, springunits 74;, bolster guide members 7 5 7 5, which parts are substantiallyidentical with the `the guide columns of each frame,

parts 10, 11, 13-13, 14, 15, 24-24, described in connection with Figs. 1to 3 inclusive. In the construction now referred to a roller seat 76'isprovided which is mounted upon the upper ends of the spr' units 74, andis provided on its upper'sliiiice with a plurality of elongateddepressions 77 adapted for the reception of elongated vrollers 78 asshown.l

AThe rear end of the' roller seat 76 isprovided with grooves 79 whichare slidablyengaged with the lower ends 'of the vguide members -75. Abolster `80`has its end portion disposed between the guide columns72-72, said bolster being provided with roller contours 81 on itsundersurface adapted for the accommodation of the rollers 78. Thebolster is provided with cut out portions 82, adapted to accommodate theguide members 7 5 7 5, the extent of each cut out portion 82 being suchas to permit limited longitudinal movement in opposite directions of thebolster 80 upon the rollers 78 and with respect to the side frame.

In assembling a truck of this character, the

bolster is first inserted between the guide columns,`the guide ribsengaged with the cut out portions, -and the end of the bolster elevated,after which the roller seat and rollers are engaged with the guid ribsand elevated. The springs are then placed beneath the roller seat.Dismantling of the truck is effected by. a reversal of the operationsjust mentioned.

In connection with the various embodiments of the invention abovedescribed, in each instance the guide ribs are shown as formed upon theside frame, andV adapted to be disposed in grooves in the bolster, butit will be appreciated that ribs might be placed upon the bolster andthe grooves formed in the side frame without departing from the spiritof my invention.

While I have herein shown and described what I now consider thepreferred manner of carrying out the invention, the same is merelyillustrative, and I contemplate all changes and modifications that comewithin the scope of the claims appended hereto. o

I claim:

1. In a truck, the combination with frames having a specified wheel baseresponding to general practice, each frame having a flat spring seat;guide side corside columns intedgrally formed with said side frames anspaced apart `a distance corresponding to the length of said spring seatand extending substantially parallel for the full height thereof; anincreased number of spring units of dimensions and capacitycorresponding substantially to those in use upon a truck having a wheelbase and guide columns as before mentioned, @said spring units bearingagainst each of said spring seats; a bolster removably disposed betweensaid bolframes, said means being integrally formed with said side framesat one side thereof clear of the. springs and located adjacent .theupper end portions of said co'lumns and extending downwardly A andterminating short of the lower ends of saidrcolumns to permit insertionand removal of said bolster. l i

2. As, an article of manufacture, an integrally formed side frame havingguide col' umns and a spring seat, and individual bolster guide elementsspaced apart and rigidly secured to said columns, the effective guidesurfaces of said guide elements being spaced transversely to one side ofsaid side frame so as -to be -arranged in offset relation with referenceto said spring seat.

3. As an article of manufacture, an integrally formed side frame havingguide colnmns substantially parallel. for their full height, and'individual bolster guide ele'- ments formed integrally with saidcolumns andvspaced laterally-to one side of said side frame and havingguide portions spaced from and extending inwardly toward each other in alongitudinal direction with reference to said side frame.

4. In a truck, the combination with an integrally formed side frameprovidedwith guide columns and a sprin seat; of a'spring clusterassociated with sald seat; a bolster having an end portion of full widthto engage the ide surfaces of .said guide columns; an means arranged atone side of said side frame and laterally offset with respect to saidspring cluster, said means operating to limit endwise movement of saidbolster in opposite directions.

5. In a truck side frame having integrally formed guide columns arrangedto `provide increased space between the upper portions thereof; a springcluster; a` bolster slidabl mounted between the guide surfaces of sait?columns; and a single guide member positioned at one side of each ofsaid guide columns adapted to co-act with said bolster to limitlongitudinal movement thereof in both directions; and brake hangerbrackets arranged toward the center of the side frame. closely adjacentthe planes dev fined by the col guide surfaces.

6. In a truck, the combination with side frames having a specified wheelbase, said side frames having spring seats; integral Aguide columnsspaced apart a'distance cor- .responding to the length of each of saidspring seats and extending substantially parallel for the full heightthereof; an inv creased number of spring units of dimensions andcapacity corresponding substantially to those used upon a truck having awheel base and guide columns as before mentioned; and means individualto each guide column for limiting in both directions longitudinalmovement'of'said bolster with rester removably engaging said guidecolumns and bearing upon said spring cluster; and integral means on eachside of the bolster opening for limiting the longitudinal movement ofsaid bolster in opposite directions, said means being arranged inposition on said side frame in laterally olfset relation to and'clear ofsaid spring cluster.

8. In a truck, the combination with side frames having a specified wheelbasefcorrespending to general practice, said side frames having springseats of a length corresponding substantially to the length of springseats used in connection with side frames of said specified wheel base;and guide columns spaced apart a distance corresponding to the length ofsaid spring seat and extending substantially parallel for the fullheight thereof; an increased number of spring units of dimensions andcapacity corresponding substantially to those in use upon a truck havinga wheel base and guide columns as before mentioned; a bolster removablydisposed between said guide columns and guide members on said guidecolumns for limiting in both directions longitudinal movement of saidbolster with respect to said side frames, said guide members beingpositioned laterally to one side of and beyond said frame and clear ofsaid spring clusters.

9. In a truck of the character described, the combination with a sideframe having guide columns and a flat spring seat; a spring clusterassociated with said spring seat; a bolster removably engaging the guidesurfaces of said guide columns and vextending beyond the outer facesthereof and bearing upon said spring cluster; and means associated withsaid guide columns for limiting the longitudinal movement of saidbolster, said means being arranged so that the distance between the sameis less than the distance between the guide surfaces ofsaid -guidecolumns, said means being formed integrally with said guide columns andlaterally spaced therefrom.4 v

10. In a truck, the 'combination with integrally formed side framesprovided with guide .columns and spring seats; ofspring clustersassociated with' said seats; a bolster having end portions of full widthto engage the guide surfaces of said guide col- 4 umns and bearing uponsaid spring clusters; a spring plank detachably connecting said sideframes; and means arranged at one side of the 'spring cluster of eachside frame for limiting endwise movement of said bolster in bothdirections 'and serving to effect a connection between said side framesindependently of said spring plank. Y

11. In a railway truck, the combination with side frames havingsubstantially flat spring seats of a length to accommodate the' bolstersprings; guide columns spaced apart a distance corresponding to thelength of spring seat and extending substantially parallel for the fullheight thereof; a bolster of full width disposed between said guidecolumns and engaging the guide faces thereof and means integrally formedwith said side frames for limiting longitudinal movement of said bolsterwith respect to said side frames, said means individual to each guidecolumn at each side of the bolster and being arranged to clear thebolster springs, said bolster being removably held in position by saidmeans.

12. In a truck side frame having integrally formed guide columns and -aspring seat, a spring cluster comprising a plurality of spring unitsincluding more than one arranged transversely with I'eference to saidspring seat; a bolster adapted to bear upon said spring units; andintegral means spaced transversely to one side of said side frame andclear of said spring units andcooperating with said bolster to limit theendwise movement thereof in opposite directions, said means beingarranged. adjacent the upper portions of the columns and terminatingshort of the lower portions thereof to permit insertion and removal ofsaid bolster.

13. In a truck side frame having integrally formed guide columnsarranged to provide increased space between the upper portions thereof;a spring cluster; a bolster slidably mounted between the guide surfacesof said columns; and a single guide member integrally formed with eachof said guide columns adapted to co-act with said bolster to limitlongitudinal movement thereof 1n both directions, said guide membersterminating substantially midway between the top and bottom extremitiesof said guide columns grally formed guidecolumns and a spring seat, abolster positioned between said guide columns for vertical movement andadapted to have lateral movement withrespect to said side frame, brakehanger brackets positioned on said side frame at one side thereof, guidemeans integral with the brake hanger brackets permitting the verticalmovement of thev bolster and limiting the lateral movement thereof, andsprings on said spring seat s upporting said bolster. 15. In a railwaycar truck, the combination of a side frame having a spring seat andguide columns forming a bolster opening, a bolster positioned in saidopening for vertical movement and restricted by said guide columnsagainst movement longitudinally of said side frame, guides laterallyoset with respect to said side frame and interengaging the bolster forlimiting movement ofl said bolster longitudinally of itself in bothdirections relative to the side vframe, and springs on said spring/seatfor supporting the bolster.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I 20 have hereunto subscribed myname this 27th day of May, 1926.

.CLAUS J. 'W. CLASEN.

